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On Sept. 10, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council announced that 13 IBEW/NECA Electrical Training Alliance centers have received the prestigious IREC Training Provider Accreditation for the photovoltaic curriculums in their inside journeyman wireman program.

“IREC is pleased to recognize the crucial role labor plays in development of the clean energy economy and views this relationship as a model for unions across the U.S.,” says Jane Weissman, IREC CEO.

The apprentice training center of New City, N.Y., Local 363 is one of 13 to receive the IREC training provider accreditation from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

The IREC credentialing program is nationally recognized as providing a mark of excellence for unions, colleges, nonprofits, private training organizations and individual trainers. Earned after a rigorous evaluation of standards and practices, the IREC credential provides assurance that workers are equipped with current and relevant skills to fill needed jobs in renewable energy.

Accredited centers, operated under the auspices of the New York State Labor Management Cooperation Committee, are located in Albany, White Plains, Watertown, New City, Jamestown, Ithaca, Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Niagara Falls, Elmira, New York City and Long Island.

“The IBEW-NECA [training centers] in New York recognized the importance of equipping their workers with renewable energy skill sets early in the game and have been conducting photovoltaics training for over a decade,” says Weissman.

“They have a proud tradition of providing high-quality training and job opportunities for electricians,” she adds.

“This distinguished credential recognizes the excellent quality of the training we offer in the energy efficiency field. We are excited about obtaining this recognition in the ever growing energy industry," says Craig Jacobs, New City, N.Y., LU 363 Electrical Training Alliance director.